“Fluoride in Drinking Water: What You Need to Know and Why You Can Trust Us”
In a recent development, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been ordered by a federal judge to strengthen regulations surrounding fluoride in drinking water. The ruling came from U.S. District Judge Edward Chen in San Francisco, who sided with several advocacy groups in finding that fluoridating drinking water supplies at current levels presented an unreasonable risk to the developing brains of children.
Judge Chen emphasized that the scientific literature in the record provided a high level of certainty that fluoride is associated with reduced IQ. This finding led to the conclusion that there is an unreasonable risk of harm, particularly in terms of cognitive deficits, including reduced IQ in children. As a result, the EPA has been directed to engage with a regulatory response under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
Approximately 200 million people in the U.S. drink fluoridated water, according to The Hill. The potential health impacts of fluoride have sparked widespread debate, with conflicting opinions from different organizations. While the National Toxicology Program found that increased fluoride exposure was associated with lower IQs in children, the American Academy of Pediatrics maintained its recommendation of adding fluoride to toothpaste and water.
Despite the ruling, Judge Chen clarified that he had not concluded there was a danger to public health from fluoridated water. The decision was based on the presence of an unreasonable risk of injury, rather than a definitive conclusion of harm. Environmental nonprofit Food & Water Watch welcomed the ruling, as it aligns with their efforts to advocate for safer fluoride standards in public drinking water.
The U.S. began fluoridating drinking water in 1945, but has since adjusted fluoride levels to mitigate potential risks. The practice of adding fluoride to public drinking water is not common in Europe, and most countries around the world do not have fluoridated water.
Overall, the ruling by Judge Chen highlights the ongoing debate and concerns surrounding fluoride in drinking water, and underscores the importance of continued research and regulation in this area.